Photographer's Note

During the years I been living in South Africa there is one place I return to time after time and that is the Kruger National Park. In January-February this year I was fortuned to be able to drive thru the park from north to south. It was a possibility to really experience the width of the geological, biological and the zoological diversity it has to offer. Inside the National Park there is restcamps where you can rent a cottage or put up your own tent.

This lion I met early the last morning. Lions are mostly active during the nights and if you look at his eyes you can really see that the pupils are so small. The expression of his face looks really scary. Just behind him there was a lioness and they were mating just in front of our car.

Glad to hear that you took this picture from inside your car, I'd be scared to this close to the lion without protection. Nicely capture with good dof with sharp details especially the eyes. Wonderful colors. Well done, tfs.

When visiting Kruger Park the first time, we were lucky enough to spot the Big Five, but the only lion we saw was far away from the car.

What you have here is a close encounter and I would have been thrilled to be at your place. Considering that your lens isn't a long telephoto, there's no doubt that you were very intimate with the big cat...

People who have never been into a safari can't imagine what it is to meet animals in the wild and the excitement it represents.

Your specimen was just coming out of the barber shop, or so it seems.. :-p))

Hej Stefan,
This is a terrific shot. He looks really unfriendly and I would have been nervous to get so close to him, even if sitting safely in a car. What if you had met him just stepping out of your bungalow or tent? The few lions I saw in Tanzania were either further away or very lazy and totally uninterested in my car.
Hälsningar,
Gert

Hej Stefan,
you were very lucky!
First of all I like the title, no other words could describe this brilliant image. This is really a terrific portrait that goes directly into my gallery of favorites. Congratulation on this masterpiece!
Warm regards
Harriet